Former Florida congressman Matt Gaetz, nominated by Donald Trump to become Attorney General, is facing new allegations of sexual misconduct. An attorney representing two women claims that Gaetz flew them to New York City in January 2019, where he paid them for sex. According to the attorney, Joel Leppard, Gaetz arranged the sexual encounters before taking the women to see Pretty Woman on Broadway. Leppard says the women testified that their payments from Gaetz were understood to be in exchange for sex.
The women, both adults at the time, provided closed-door testimony to the House Ethics Committee about their alleged encounters with Gaetz. Leppard stated that the women met Gaetz in New York for his appearance on Fox News in January 2019. He claims Gaetz paid for their travel and instructed them to have sex with him in exchange for the trip. Afterward, the women were able to attend the Broadway show as a reward.
Gaetz reportedly appeared on Outnumbered at the Fox News studios in New York on January 4, 2019, the same day the women claim they were with him in the city. Pretty Woman was showing on Broadway at the time, and the women testified that after their sexual encounters, they were free to enjoy the performance. Leppard emphasized that the women were not coerced into these activities, but their understanding was that they were expected to provide sexual services in exchange for the trip and other perks.
In addition to the 2019 incident in New York, Leppard told ABC News that the women testified to several other encounters with Gaetz. The women claimed they had sex with him on multiple occasions, some of which were during trips to New York or the Bahamas, and they were paid for their participation in these encounters. Leppard described some of these events as “drug-fueled parties,” where multiple individuals, including Gaetz, engaged in sexual activities.
The women, aged between 19 and 21 at the time, were reportedly among a group of young women who attended these parties. According to Leppard, the men at the parties were typically aged between 30 and 50. Despite the nature of the activities, Leppard emphasized that the women testified their encounters with Gaetz were consensual, though they acknowledged that drugs sometimes impaired their judgment and made it easier to participate in the activities.
Gaetz has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with the allegations. A spokesperson for the Trump transition team dismissed the claims, calling them “baseless allegations” designed to undermine Gaetz’s confirmation as Attorney General. The spokesperson also pointed out that the Biden Justice Department had investigated Gaetz for several years but had found no evidence of criminal activity, clearing him of any wrongdoing.
The confirmation process for Gaetz is facing increasing scrutiny as the allegations against him continue to surface. With calls from both Democrats and Republicans for the House Ethics Committee to release its report on the investigation into Gaetz, pressure is mounting on the panel to make its findings public. Some believe the release of the report could shed light on the extent of the allegations and potentially derail Gaetz’s nomination.
Gaetz’s resignation from Congress earlier this year, which coincided with the announcement of his nomination for Attorney General, has complicated the ongoing investigation. While the House Ethics Committee had planned to release its findings, the resignation effectively put an end to the inquiry. Leppard expressed hope that the media would pressure the panel to release the report, as the women have already testified and are reluctant to testify again, particularly in a Senate hearing.
Despite the allegations and growing calls for transparency, Trump has remained firm in his support for Gaetz. The Trump transition team continues to back Gaetz’s nomination and has emphasized that the congressman will be confirmed as the next Attorney General. However, the unfolding controversy could complicate Gaetz’s path to confirmation, as the Senate hearings may place further focus on the allegations against him.
Leppard has indicated that his clients are unwilling to testify again, especially in a public setting such as the Senate floor. The women have already provided detailed testimony to the House Ethics Committee, and Leppard has expressed concerns that further public hearings would be traumatic for them. As the investigation into Gaetz’s conduct continues to unfold, the pressure for answers only grows.
With the Department of Justice investigation into Gaetz’s activities having concluded without charges, the allegations remain a significant issue for Gaetz’s nomination. The continued attention to the case has sparked a broader discussion about accountability for public officials and the potential implications for Gaetz’s future in government.
As the Senate confirmation hearings approach, Gaetz’s past conduct, including the new allegations, is likely to become a key point of contention. With both his supporters and detractors weighing in, the future of his Attorney General nomination remains uncertain, and the controversy surrounding him is unlikely to dissipate anytime soon. The outcome of the Senate hearings and any potential revelations from the House Ethics Committee investigation will play a critical role in shaping Gaetz’s political future.
